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Spotify is working on the release of a $100 voice-controlled in-car music player this year, The Financial Times says, marking its first foray into hardware. FT says the company has been working with electronics manufacturer Flex to build out the device which would come cheaper than most brand-name car stereo systems if a $100 price stands firm.

Rumors of hardware ambitions for Spotify first emerged June last year after the company registered with the Federal Communications Commission, a move towards getting approval to sell wireless hardware in the U.S. Spotify also introduced a new "car view" mode for its Android app just this week, signalling a focus on the automotive market.

A recent survey from voice tech publication Voicebot.ai indicate that some 77 million U.S. adults use voice assistants in their cars, compared with 45.7 million using them on smart speakers. Cars are arguably a best use for voice technology as drivers might prefer voice control rather than touchscree…

Samsung Upgrades The Notebook 9 Pen

Samsung just recently announced the Notebook 9 Pen, a premium 2-in-1 PC with a built-in S Pen made for creators. “With improved design and performance, along with our Notebook’s most advanced S Pen yet, the new Notebook 9 Pen is perfect for contemporary professionals who put especially high demands on their technology.” Samsung PC Business Team head YoungGyoo Choi said.

The new Notebook 9 Pen is centered on durable design, immersive entertainment, top performance and better control with the S Pen. For durable design, it features an all-metal and aluminium frame as well as edge-to-edge diamond cut metal finish to cater for a premium look and portability. It comes in two colors, vibrant Ocean Blue and pristine Platinum White.

image : Samsung

For top performance and immersive entertainment, it features an Intel Core i7 processor, fast-charging capability with up to 15 hours of battery life on full charge, expandable storage, two versatile Thunderbolt 3 ports, next-generation Gigabit WiFi support and studio-quality sound from speakers tuned by AKG with new ThunderAmp smart amplifier technology.

It's better integrated with the S Pen for control thanks to reduced latency of up to 2x from the previous model making it more easier to draw, jot notes and perform other tasks. The options for the S Pen are also customizable with three different pen tips allowing users to get hold of the drawing feel they prefer. For an enhanced experience, users can get the Myscript Nebo App for a free three month trial that allows to not only convert notes into digital text but also convert hand– drawn charts and diagrams, into legible versions.

image : Samsung

The Notebook 9 Pen comes in two versions, a 13 inch and 15 inch model with slightly different specs. These are listed below :

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pen 13”:

1.12kg weight

54Wh battery

13.3” Full HD LCD

Intel 8th Gen Core i7 Processor (CPU)

Intel UHD Graphics

16GB LPDDR3 memory

512GB SSD storage

AKG stereo speakers with ThunderAmp

HD IR Camera

Facial and fingerprint recognition

Backlit keyboard

Thunderbolt 3 (2) | USB-C (1) | HP/MIC | UFS & microSD Combo (ports)

image : Samsung

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pen 15”:

1.56kg weight

54Wh battery

15.0” Full HD LCD

Intel 8th Gen Core i7 Processor (CPU)

NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (2GB)

16GB LPDDR3 memory

512GB SSD storage

AKG stereo speakers with ThunderAmp

HD IR Camera

Facial and fingerprint recognition

Backlit keyboard

Thunderbolt 3 (2) | USB-C (1) | HP/MIC | UFS & microSD Combo (ports)

Both versions are already available in South Korea and will launch in USA, China, Brazil, and Hong Kong early next year.

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